Multifuncional environmental control unit

ABSTRACT

A novel stand alone multifunctional electro-mechanical device for sensing, monitoring, and controlling environmental conditions within an occupied space, such as thermal control, room pressure, and light levels. The device utilizes a standard VAV Diffuser, an intelligently controlled window, or an intelligently controlled shutter that would optimize functionality and satisfy the aesthetic needs of occupants, designers, and architects while utilizing energy harvesting combined with ultra-low power operations to reduce the long term operational costs and installation costs, due to its stand alone configuration. The device has the capability and versatility to perform additional functions, such as life safety monitoring, fire detection, vital sign monitoring of occupants, entertainment features such as audio and video displays in conjunction with wireless and network communication features.

This utility patent application claims the priority of provisionalapplication of U.S. Ser. No. 61-631,388 filed on Jan. 3, 2012

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Taking the following specifications in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings will cause the invention to be better understood regardingthese and other features and advantages. The specifications referencethe annexed drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of multifunctional environmental controlunit depicting a multitude of functions including display,communication, and entertainment.

FIG. 2 is a more detailed perspective view of additional communicationfunctions.

FIG. 3 is a more detailed perspective of lighting functions.

FIG. 4 is a more detailed perspective view security, fire detection,smoke detection, air quality monitoring functions.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of other occupied space locations for thecontrolling unit enabling the multifunctional capabilities.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the best implementation of theenvironmental controlling unit

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the best implementation of the“iris” environmental controlling unit.

FIG. 8 is a more detailed perspective exploded view of “iris” typemoveable baffle approach for supply pressure control and energyscavenging components in the controlling unit.

FIG. 9 is a more detailed exploded perspective view of “iris” typemoveable baffle approach for room thermal control operation

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of an alternate rotating cylinder design forthe temperature controlling unit.

FIG. 11 is another exploded perspective view of an alternate design forthe controlling unit showing flow directional control.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a complete HVAC System.

FIG. 13 is a schematic of the control functions for a complete HVACSystem.

FIG. 14 is a schematic of the control algorithm for the thermalenvironment control.

FIG. 15 is a schematic of the control algorithm for thepressure/sound/air quality control.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an intelligent window/shutter/dampercontrol unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While describing the invention and its embodiments, various terms willbe used for the sake of clarity. These terms are intended to not onlyinclude the recited embodiments, but also all equivalents that performsubstantially the same function, in substantially the same manner toachieve the same result.

Now referring to FIG. 1 which discloses a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, a multifunctional environmental control unitgenerally referenced by numeral 100 which is depicted in a closedenvironment, such as a room or office wherein the unit 100 has thefunctionality of the following, it can sense external and internalproperties, such as temperature, pressure, and position, and control themovement of conditioned air for thermal control as well as, communicatewirelessly, display images and text, sound alarms, and illuminate. Aremote display unit, for example, a computer, generally referenced bynumeral 110, a wall mounted display generally referenced by numeral 120,an integral visible display referenced by numeral 130. All communicatewirelessly with bidirectional transmitter/receiver unit referenced bynumeral 140. An integral projector referenced by numeral 150 can projectimages on an appropriate surface. Occupants, whether working or resting,healthy or sick, referenced by numerals 160 and 170, will benefit fromthe multifunctional capabilities of the control unit. The integralwireless communication module for room communication is generallyreferenced by numeral 140. The integral wireless communication modulefor communication with other system components is generally referencedby numeral 180.

Now referring to FIG. 2 which discloses an expanded displayfunctionality of the control unit. Remote communication units arereferenced by numeral 210 for a wall mounted device, numeral 220 for adesk top device, numeral 230 for a desktop display, numeral 240 for adesk top phone, and numeral 250 for a mobile device. An enclosure tohouse and environmentally protect the electronics interfacing withsensors, actuators, display devices, and allowing wireless communicationwith enclosed communication modules, and allowing computation of controllogic referenced by numeral 190.

Now referring to FIG. 3 which discloses an expanded illuminationcapability. The luminaries can be integral with the controlling unit 100as referenced by numeral 310 and at any height on any wall as referencedby numeral 320. Illumination On-Off or dimming signals can be relayedthrough the controlling unit numeral 100 to the luminaries 320 and 310,by sending signals from a human interface device referenced by numeral220 for a table top device or numeral 250 for a mobile device

Now referring to FIG. 4 which discloses an expanded security and safetycapability. The controlling unit numeral 100 incorporates integralsensors referenced by numeral 410 for motion detection, numeral 420 forfire detection, numeral 430 for smoke detection and numeral 480 for CO2sensing to monitor air quality. The objects detected are referenced bynumerals 440 for an intruder, numeral 450 for fire, and numeral 460 forgenerated smoke. The alarm signal detected by controlling unit istransmitted by the bidirectional transmitter/receiver unit referenced bynumeral 140 is sent to receiving unit typically referenced by mobiledevice referenced by numeral 250 located on non-intruder referenced bynumeral 470. For quality of air monitoring and control, wirelesscommunication is enabled between bidirectional transmitter/receiver unitreferenced by numeral 140 located in controlling unit numeral 100 and aseparate module referenced by numeral 490 in a preferred location in theoccupied space.

Now referring to FIG. 5 which discloses optional locations for thecontrolling unit. Optional locations for controlling unit includecentrally located in the ceiling referenced by numeral 510, at theceiling/wall corner along a long wall in a rectangular room referencedby numeral 520 at the wall/ceiling corner along a short wall in arectangular room referenced by numeral 530, at a wall/wall cornerreferenced by numeral 540, at a wall/floor corner referenced by numeral550, at a under floor location referenced by numeral 560, at a cornerapex referenced by numeral 570.

Now referring to FIG. 6 which discloses the one possible internalconstruction of the controlling unit which embodies the improvementcapabilities described above. Internal components include an internalsensing element for occupied space detection and communication 140 andsensor for the measurement of external environmental thermal conditions(preferably an infrared temperature sensor with a single sensing elementor a multi-element with individual addressable elements, referenced bynumeral 610, and system supply communication referenced by numeral 180,a moveable horizontal flow baffle referenced by numeral 630, an actuatorfor positioning the moveable horizontal flow baffle 630 referenced bynumeral 640, a moveable vertical flow baffle referenced by numeral 660,an actuator for positioning the moveable vertical flow baffle 660referenced by numeral 670, a moveable supply flow baffle referenced by690, a actuator to position the moveable supply flow baffle 690referenced by 695, an internal temperature sensor referenced by numeral696, an internal pressure sensor referenced by numeral 697 with a tubereferenced by numeral 617 to communicate internal pressure to thepressure sensor 697, a position sensor for the moveable horizontal flowbaffle 630 referenced by numeral 632, a position sensor for the moveablevertical flow baffle 660 referenced by numeral 661, a position sensorfor the moveable supply baffle 690 referenced by numeral 691, a housingfor the electronic control unit referenced by numeral 600, and amounting plate for the baffle motors referenced by numeral 607, and thehousing for the complete assembly referenced by numeral 601. In the bestimplementation of air movement control for thermal comfort, thehorizontal and vertical directional air directional control isincorporated into a single baffle assembly with extended rotationalmovement driven by a gear or belt referenced by numeral 631

Now referring to FIG. 7, which further discloses a more detailedexploded view of the control unit depicted in FIG. 6. Components arereferenced by numerals 150, 180, 600, 601, 610, 630, 631, 632, 640, 660,661, 670, 690, 691, 695, 696, 697 and Additional components includebearings referenced by numeral 604 under each moveable wings of thehorizontal baffles 630, posts referenced by numeral 603 guiding thehorizontal baffle wings 630 and bearings 604, a rotating platereferenced by numeral 631 with attached pins or gear whereby the pins orgear engage slots or gears referenced by numeral 605 in the horizontalbaffle wings 630 to rotate them thereby exposing a flow gap between thehousing 601 and a fixed face plate referenced by numeral 689, a actuatormounting plate referenced by numeral 607 to support actuators 640 and670, a cam like or gear drive mechanism referenced by numeral 609attached to actuator 640 to rotate the rotating ring or gear referencedby numeral 606, a slotted arm (shown) or gear referenced by numeral 611attached to actuator 670 to drive a pin (shown) or gear referenced bynumeral 618 attached to vertical moving baffle 660 thereby exposing aflow gap between the fixed plate referenced by numeral 689 and verticalmoving baffle 660, center shaft assembly referenced by numeral 612mounting the complete horizontal and vertical baffle assembly to thehousing 601, a gas impermeable flexible fabric referenced by numeral 613to block the supply air upon actuation of the supply damper 690, a fixedsupport plate referenced by numeral 614 with attached pins referenced bynumeral 615 to guide the bearings referenced by numeral 616 and theindividual arms of supply damper 690, a pressure sensing tube referencedby numeral 617 to communicate internal static pressure to internalpressure sensor 697. In the best implementation of the concept, thehorizontal and vertical flow baffle function is incorporated into asingle gear driven mechanism utilizing the baffles wings 630, rotatinggear 606 and gears 605 attached to the individual baffle wings 630.

Now referring to FIG. 8 which further discloses an explode view of thecomponents on the supply side of the controlling unit. The a partialsection of the housing 601 is shown below the moveable supply baffle 690incorporating a multiple of geared arms referenced by numeral 891synchronized by a central gear referenced by numeral 892. The gearassembly is driven by the actuator referenced by numeral 695 rigidlyincorporating a gear referenced by numeral 893 which drives the centralgear referenced by numeral 892 to in turn drive in a synchronizedfashion the multiple gears of arms referenced by numeral 891. Above isalso shown a small turbine blade assemble referenced by numeral 710 usedto generate energy to operate the controls and supply storage energy forfuture use. The power to drive the turbine is extracted from the energyin the air flow supplied by the system blower upstream. Also shown arecomponents for energy harvesting related to piezoelectric vibration asreferenced by numeral 820 and thermoelectric power generation referencedby numeral 830. Sensing components referenced by numerals 617, 696, 697and structural components referenced by numerals 613, 614, 615 and 616are as described in FIG. 6.

Now referring to FIG. 9 which discloses a further exploded view of theroom temperature control assembly depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7.Components are referenced by numerals 600, 604, 605, 606, 607, 609, 611,630, 631, 640, 660, 670.

Now referring to FIG. 10 which discloses an alternate construction forthe controlling unit. The improvements over the current state of the artalso apply to this alternate construction. Internal components include amultiplicity rotating slotted cylinders for controlling the volumetricflow and flow direction as typically referenced by numeral 1010displaying orientation for horizontal air movement and numeral 1011displaying orientation for vertical air movement, a multiplicity sealingsurfaces for reducing uncontrolled flow bypassing the cylinder astypically referenced by numeral 1020, a multiplicity of actuators usedto drive the rotation of the rotating cylinders as referenced by numeral1030. The housing as referenced by numeral 1040 and face plate asreferenced by numeral 1050 serve a similar purpose of enclosing theinternal operational parts as the assembly described in FIG. 6 exceptthe construction would be different to be compatible with these showninternal parts. Sensing components 610, 617, 696, 697 would be ofsimilar construction and location as the assembly described in FIG. 6.

Now referring to FIG. 11 which discloses detailed exploded view of thecontrol unit depicted in FIG. 10. Components on the supply side of theassembly for pressure control, sensing and energy harvesting areidentical to components in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8referenced by numerals 130, 140, 150, 190, 310, 410, 420, 430, 440, 450,460, 470, 480, 490, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 690, 691, 695, 696,697, 820, 830, 891, 892, and 893. The alternate temperature controlassembly include numerals 1010, 1011, 1030, 1040, 1050, Additionalcomponents include gears referenced by numeral 1060 synchronizing therotation of the cylinders.

Now referring to FIG. 12, which discloses the components of the systemproviding the conditioned air to thermally control the occupied space.Two possible sources of conditioned air, whether working in parallel orindependently, are an electrically powered blower as referenced bynumeral 1210 and a solar collector structure producing solar heated airmoved mechanical with a blower or hydronic water flow system and bynatural buoyancy forces as referenced by numeral 1220. The blower 1210when feeding through a heating/cooling chamber referenced by numeral1230 can produce the temperature and pressure of condition for theproposed controlling unit 100. Wireless or wired communication betweenthe controlling unit 100 and electronic communication/control modules onthe blower and heating/cooling unit as referenced by numerals 1240 allowthe energy conservation algorithm in the controlling unit 100 tooptimized performance. The operation of the solar collector 1220 forheating/ventilation/ventilation cooling with ductwork and damperscontrolled by the energy conservation algorithm n the controlling unit100 is covered in detail in patent application #13230835. Alternatelocations for the controlling unit 100 are referenced by numerals 510,560, 530, 540, 550. The return air diffuser allowing air passage back tothe system blower numeral 1210 is referenced by numeral 1250.

Now referring to FIG. 13 which discloses a schematic for the completedsystem outlining the logic applied to the individual components foroptimum energy efficiency control. Signals are received from a multitudeof Multifunctional Environmental Control Units described in FIGS. 1-12as referenced by process numeral 1301. User input information isreceived to “weight” the value of each Multifunctional EnvironmentalControl Unit referenced by numeral 1301 as to its effect on theoperation of the system cooling unit, the system heating unit, thesystem refrigeration unit referenced by numeral 1305, the blower motorcontrol referenced by numeral 1310, and the damper control referenced bynumeral 1309. The system control algorithm applies the weight factorsfrom the user input referenced by process step numeral 1302 andMultifunctional Environmental Control Units numeral 1301 as referencedby process step numeral 1303 and determines if the system should be inheating, cooling, or recirculation referenced by numeral 1305 and thespeed of the blower motor referenced by 1310, and the position of thesystem flow control damper referenced by 1309 as referenced by processcontrol step numeral 1304. As a function of the user input referenced bynumeral 1302 the system can be utilized to maximize comfort whileminimizing energy usage. This “just enough on time’ concept is enabledas a result of detailed feedback from each Multifunctional EnvironmentalControl Unit detailed in FIGS. 1-12.

Now referring to FIG. 14 which discloses the logic for the temperaturecontrol of the occupied space environmental control system. Thealgorithm is stored in a integrated circuit referenced by numeral 1401that receives the dynamic sensor inputs during the control operationreferenced by numeral 1402 and receives the fixed inputs, whetherfactory default or user dictated, referenced by numeral 1403. Thealgorithm applies the correction factors to the current measurement fromsensor numeral in process steps referenced by numerals 1404 and 1405.The algorithm stores each consecutive temperature sensor reading fromthe room temperature sensor referenced by numeral 610 and supplytemperature sensor referenced by numeral 696. The logical steps based onthe algorithm follows the process steps referenced by numerals1409-1422. The next step, after storing the factory and user input, isto determine a time delay period during which the electronics within theenclosure referenced by numeral 190 powers down to minimum and no signalis sent to actuators referenced by process numerals 1414, 1415, 1418 and1420. Each process cycle indexes a counter in the registry for number ofcycles in the cooling mode referenced by process numeral 1411 or theheating mode referenced by process numeral 1410 or the recirculationmode referenced by process numeral 1416. The duration of consecutivecycles in each mode dictates the time delay initiated in process numeral1409. An exception to the complete electronics power down during thetime delay is initiated in medical applications. A health monitor sensorwould send a wireless signal to the wireless receiving unit numeral 140more frequently for critical life monitoring referenced by processnumeral 1421. After the time delay has expired, the algorithm determinesif the system temperature is room temperature by a specified amountinitiating the heating mode referenced by process numeral 1410, if thesupply temperature is below room temperature by a specified amountinitiating the cooling mode referenced by process numeral 1411, or ifthe supply temperature if within the plus and minus dead band (Tdb)around the room temperature initiating the recirculation mode referencedby process numeral 1416. Typically, but not exclusively, in the heatingmode numeral 1410, a signal is sent to actuator numeral 640 to close thehorizontal baffles numeral 630. Similarly, in the cooling mode numeral1411, a signal is sent to actuator numeral 670 to close the verticalbaffles numeral 660. In the cooling mode operation, if the roomtemperature is greater the cooling set point plus Tdb and thetemperature control baffle is in an intermediate position between fullopen and full closed, an opening signal is sent to the actuator numeral640 in accordance with process numerals 1413 and 1414. In the heatingmode operation, if the room temperature is less the heating set pointminus Tdb and the temperature control baffle is in a intermediateposition between full open and full closed an opening signal is sent tothe actuator numeral 670 in accordance with process numerals 1422 and1415. In either the heating mode numeral 1410 or cooling mode numeral1411, no signal is sent to actuators numeral 640 and numeral 670,thereby maintaining current open position.

Now referring to FIG. 15 which discloses the control operation of thepressure supply baffle. The first step is to store in memory all factorydefault inputs and user defined inputs referenced by process numeral1503. All related sensor inputs for pressure referenced by processnumeral 1502 are recorded in memory. Determine if there is a microphoneinput for sound measurements as reference by process numeral 1500. Ifthe sound level is unacceptable as referenced by process numeral 1506,then the customer user set point input referenced by process numeral1512 is adjusted. Recalibration of the relationship between the pressuresensor readings referenced by process numeral 1513 and microphone sensorreferenced by process numeral 1514 is performed as referenced by processnumeral 1504. A new relationship between microphone readings and soundrating are calculated and stored as referenced by process numeral 1507.With all the operational inputs stored, the first step in the controloperation is to determine if the temperature control baffles actuatorposition sensors referenced by numerals 632 and 661 are in the fullyclosed position. If they are then the pressure control baffle actuatorposition sensor referenced by numeral 691 is driven to its fully closedposition and the program starts over at the next iteration. If they arenot, then the program continues with process steps referenced bynumerals 1501, 1509, 1510, and 1511 to control internal pressure sensorinput from pressure sensor numeral 697. If the pressure is above setpoint the pressure control actuator 695 is actuated to close the baffleto a position dictated by the control algorithm and measured by pressureactuator position sensor numeral 691 as referenced by process step 1511.If the pressure is below set point the pressure control actuator 695 isactuated to open the baffle to a position dictated by the controlalgorithm and measured by pressure actuator position sensor numeral 691as referenced by process step 1509.

Now referring to FIG. 16 which discloses the operation of a smartwindow. When thermal radiation referenced by numeral 1602 from the sunreferenced by numeral 1601 passes through a window referenced by numeral1603 and heats the floor area referenced by numeral 1604. The heated airrises as referenced by numeral 1612 rises and raises the temperaturewithin the enclosed space referenced by numeral 1607. An infrared sensorreferenced by numeral 1605 with its cone of surface temperaturemeasurement referenced by numeral 1606 measures the temperature of thefloor area numeral 1604 near the window numeral 1603. If the surfacetemperature measurement exceeds a preset set point and the outsideambient temperature as measured by the ambient air temperature sensorreferenced by numeral 1610 is below the set point, the control algorithmwithin the control module referenced by numeral 1608 sends a signal toactuator referenced by numeral 1609 to open the window. Cooler air flowsinto room driven by ambient outside wind or negative pressure within thespace. This negative pressure is created by mechanical fans referencedby numeral 1613 or the buoyancy effect of the heated area within theroom rises upward through a vertical tower referenced by numeral 1614 toambient conditions. No power is required for this system as a result ofenergy harvesting from a thermoelectric module referenced by numeral1611. The system would include a battery or super capacitor for energystorage. The system would include a moisture/humidity sensor referencedby numeral 1615 to signal the control module referenced by numeral 1608to close the window in the event of rain or high humidity (i.e. fog).The system incorporates a low energy wireless communication modulereferenced by numeral 1616 to communicate with a remote CO2 modulelocated in the multifunctional environmental control unit numeral 100 asreferenced by numeral 480 or a separate module referenced by numeral 490in a preferred location in the occupied space for quality of airmonitoring and control.

The invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment.One skilled in the art will recognize that it would be possible toconstruct the elements of the present invention from a variety of meansand to modify the placement of the components in a variety of ways.While the embodiments of the invention have been described in detail andshown in the accompanying drawings, it will be evident that variousfurther modifications are possible without departing from the scope ofthe invention and it is not required to provide claims in a provisionalapplication the following claims will help the invention to be betterunderstood

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A multifunctional environmental control unitcomprising: an air diffuser structure located within an environment tobe controlled; at least one environmental sensor located within the airdiffuser structure; a logic-based control device located within the airdiffuser structure; an adjustable air-flow damper structure; anenvironmental control element; a power supply, and; a communicationnetwork between the logic based control device, the at least oneenvironmental sensor, the adjustable air-flow damper and theenvironmental control element.
 22. The multifunctional environmentalcontrol unit of claim 21, wherein the unit is; self powered and thepower supply is a battery, a fuel cell, a bi-metallic, a memory metal, achange of state device, an energy harvesting device, a thereto-electricdevice, an RF transfer device, a photo-electric device, anelectromagnetic energy conversion device, an air velocity turbine, orradioactive decay converter with possible energy storage capability(batteries, super capacitors, hybrid battery/super capacitor); and has acontrol algorithm that increases self powered operation with logicalsteps based on the algorithm involves storing environmental sensorreadings to determine environmental stability to enable a time delayperiod during which the electronics within the enclosure powers down tominimum and no signal is sent to the environmental control elementwherein each process cycle indexes a counter in a registry for a numberof cycles in each process mode, and the duration of consecutive cyclesin each mode dictates a time delay initiated in the process wherein acritical time delay functions includes at least two history based seriesof sensor readings so that sensor readings indicating parameters withina range of a current set point would create a sleep period that would beprogressively extended to lower power consumption subject to a resettriggered by an out of range sensor readings only if the sensor readingsindicated a divergence form the desired set point.
 23. Themultifunctional environmental control unit of claim 21, wherein theenvironmental sensor is an infrared sensor and the data is temperaturelocated within the air diffuser structure; the logic-based controldevice further comprises an expert control algorithm utilizing remotemeasurement capability of the infrared sensor by monitoring surfacetemperature of nongaseous objects within its cone of detection thatresponds to physical properties that contribute to a human sense ofcomfortable temperature by measuring the surface temperature of exposedskin and clothing on a person, by convection with nearby objects heatingor cooling surrounding air, by conduction when a person directlycontacts an object whose surface temperature is monitored by the sensor,and by radiation.
 24. The multifunctional environmental control unit ofclaim 21, wherein the environmental sensor is an infrared sensor and thedata is temperature located within the air diffuser structure; thelogic-based control device further comprises an expert control algorithmutilizing remote measurement capability of the infrared sensor bymonitoring temperature differences between an object and a nearbyperson.
 25. The multifunctional environmental control unit of claim 21,wherein the environmental sensor is an infrared sensor and the data istemperature located within the air diffuser structure; the logic-basedcontrol device further comprises an expert control algorithm utilizingremote measurement capability of the infrared sensor to measure a rateof temperature change of surface temperature of objects and comparingthe position of the adjustable air-flow damper structure in relation toan open or closed state so as to further adjust the position of theadjustable air flow damper.
 26. The multifunctional environmentalcontrol unit of claim 22, wherein the self powered multifunctionalenvironmental control unit includes a second control device comprising:at least one environmental sensor wherein the environmental sensor is atleast a static pressure sensor, a differential pressure sensor, or amicrophone; data from the sensor is static or differential pressurelocated within the air diffuser structure or aerodynamic sound levelemanating into the environmental space; an expert control algorithmprocessing remote measurement from the second environment sensor tocontrol the following environmental factors; internal pressure,aerodynamic sound level and temperature.
 27. The self poweredmultifunctional environmental control unit of claim 22, wherein thecontrol element is an actuated damper or powered window.
 28. The selfpowered multifunctional environmental control unit of claim 22, whereinthe at least one environmental sensors is an air quality sensor.
 29. Theself powered multifunctional environmental control unit of claim 22,wherein the adjustable air-flow damper structure further comprisesmulti-directional baffles that change the direction of air exiting thecontrol unit at any direction from horizontal to the mounting surface tovertical to the mounting surface.
 30. The self powered multifunctionalenvironmental control unit of claim 29, wherein the adjustable air-flowdamper structure further comprises a low friction and low hysteresisiris-shaped configuration.
 31. The self powered multifunctionalenvironmental control unit of claim 21, wherein the unit furthercomprises: at least one internal wireless communication capabilityconfigured for occupants to communicate with individuals within thespace, individuals within neighboring spaces, communication with othermultifunctional environmental control units, or with a main systemcontrol unit; and, an additional internal logic board to communicatewith at least one of the following: individuals within the space,individuals within neighboring spaces, communication with othermultifunctional environmental control units, main system control unit,or with remote medical devices.
 32. The self powered multifunctionalenvironmental control unit of claim 21, further comprising, integralillumination capability, fire detection, smoke detection, motiondetection, integral display functions or an integral projector.
 33. Themultifunctional environmental control unit of claim 22, wherein theenvironmental sensor is an infrared sensor and the data is temperaturelocated within the air diffuser structure; the logic-based controldevice further comprises an expert control algorithm utilizing remotemeasurement capability of the infrared sensor by monitoring surfacetemperature of nongaseous objects within its cone of detection thatresponds to physical properties that contribute to a human sense ofcomfortable temperature by measuring the surface temperature of exposedskin and clothing on a person, by convection with nearby objects heatingor cooling surrounding air, by conduction when a person directlycontacts an object whose surface temperature is monitored by the sensor,and by radiation.
 34. The multifunctional environmental control unit ofclaim 22, wherein the environmental sensor is an infrared sensor and thedata is temperature located within the air diffuser structure; thelogic-based control device further comprises an expert control algorithmutilizing remote measurement capability of the infrared sensor bymonitoring temperature differences between an object and a nearbyperson.
 35. The multifunctional environmental control unit of claim 22,wherein the environmental sensor is an infrared sensor and the data istemperature located within the air diffuser structure; the logic-basedcontrol device further comprises an expert control algorithm utilizingremote measurement capability of the infrared sensor to measure a rateof temperature change of surface temperature of objects and comparingthe position of the adjustable air-flow damper structure in relation toan open or closed state so as to further adjust the position of theadjustable air flow damper.
 36. The multifunctional environmentalcontrol unit of claim 22, wherein the environmental sensor is at least astatic pressure sensor or a differential pressure sensor; data from thesensor is static or differential pressure located within the air passagestructure of the multifunctional environmental control unit or duct workconnecting to or from the environmental control unit; an expert controlalgorithm processing remote measurement from the environment sensor tocontrol the following environmental factors: system pressure in theconnecting duct for system branch flow “balancing”, aerodynamic soundlevel.